🔗 Share this article Mariners Defeat Detroit Tigers in Historic Extra-Inning Thriller to Advance to AL Championship Series in 24 Years In a dramatic 15-inning contest, the Mariners' infielder drove in the decisive score with a base hit to the outfield, clinching a narrow win for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in the decisive game of the American League Division Series. Decisive Plays in the Marathon Matchup The Mariners pitcher, making his first relief appearance in the big leagues, threw one and one-third innings to earn the victory, sending his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time in over two decades. Seattle will now compete against the Blue Jays for the championship in a contest between 1977 expansion brethren. The series opener is set for Sunday in Toronto. 15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence JP Crawford initiated the final half of the last inning with a sharp hit to the outfield. Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, placing players on the bases. After Cal Raleigh flied out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder let the runner to take third. Following an strategic base on balls, the batter connected on a full count to conclude the game. Key Runs and Defensive Performances Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of the visitors' scoring with a home run in the sixth inning. The Mariners tied it at 2-2 in the seventh on a pinch hitter's RBI single. Each squad posed a danger repeatedly in overtime, with the home team hitting into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th. Opening Hurlers Duel Tarik Skubal and the Mariners' starter engaged in a low-scoring battle in the early innings. Skubal, a Cy Young Award favorite, gave up a single score on a couple of hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He set a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts. The only run occurred in the early going, when a double, stolen base, and deep out scored a point for the Mariners. The Mariners' pitcher opened with five scoreless innings before allowing a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a pitching change, Carpenter went deep on a pitch to give Detroit the lead. The starter lasted over five frames and was charged with one run on a few hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts. The win marks a significant milestone for the Seattle franchise, who move forward to compete for a spot in the World Series after a long playoff drought.